🇫🇮 Finland Real Estate 2025: Foreign Buyer Rules & Market Trends
120
8.7.2025
✅ Can Foreigners Buy Property in Finland?
-
EU/EEA nationals can purchase residential real estate freely with no restrictions.
-
Non‑EU/EEA nationals (e.g. Americans, Gulf nationals) must apply for a permit from the Ministry of Defence if purchasing a property with land or near sensitive areas.
-
Permits are typically not required for apartments in housing companies or properties on leased land.
-
Purchases made without a permit (where required) may be legally void or subject to resale requirements.
🧭 Permits & Ownership Notes
-
A small government fee applies to permit applications.
-
Applications must be submitted shortly after signing the purchase contract.
-
Permission is based on proximity to border zones, defense infrastructure, and national interest considerations.
🏙️ Market & Pricing Overview
| Area | Average Price (€/sqm) |
|---|---|
| Helsinki City Centre | €7,000–10,000 |
| Inner Helsinki | €5,000–7,000 |
| Outer Helsinki | €3,500–5,000 |
| Tampere | €3,800–5,000 |
| Turku | €3,200–4,500 |
| Oulu | €2,800–3,800 |
| Jyväskylä | €2,500–3,500 |
| Lapland (vacation homes) | €3,000–4,500 |
📈 Rental Yields & Returns
| City | Long-Term Yield | Short-Term Rental ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Helsinki | 4.0–4.6% | 5.5–7.5% |
| Tampere | 4.5–5.5% | 6–7.5% |
| Turku | 4.4–5.2% | 6–7% |
| Jyväskylä | 7.4–8.5% | 8–9.5% |
| Oulu | 4.6–5.5% | 6–7.5% |
🛠️ Buying Process for Foreigners
-
Determine if your nationality and target property type require a permit.
-
Apply to the Ministry of Defence if purchasing land or a standalone house.
-
Engage a local real estate agent and legal expert.
-
Sign the purchase contract and pay a deposit (typically 10%).
-
Register the transaction and title with the National Land Survey of Finland.
-
Complete all tax declarations and required government filings.
🧾 Taxes & Fees
| Tax / Fee Type | Rate / Details |
|---|---|
| Transfer Tax | 3% for land/house, 1.5% for apartments |
| Annual Property Tax | 0.93–2% depending on municipality |
| Capital Gains Tax | 30–34% (flat rate) |
| Rental Income Tax | 30% up to €30,000, 34% above |
🛂 Residency & Citizenship
-
Property purchase does not qualify for residency or citizenship.
-
Residence must be applied for separately through work, study, family, or other qualifying paths.
-
There is currently no Golden Visa or investment residency scheme available in Finland.
🏘️ Who Should Invest in Finland?
✅ Ideal for:
-
EU/EEA citizens looking for secure and transparent investment markets
-
Investors focused on urban apartments or long-term rentals
-
Buyers interested in energy-efficient and eco-certified real estate
❌ Not ideal for:
-
Non-EU citizens unwilling to navigate the permit process
-
Investors seeking fast resale or short-term gains
-
Buyers expecting immigration privileges via property investment
🔮 2025 Market Trends
-
Strong buyer interest in cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku
-
Demand for green and smart homes continues to rise
-
Higher yields in smaller cities like Jyväskylä attract rental investors
-
Limited new supply in central areas is supporting stable prices
🧭 Final Thoughts
Finland offers a reliable and well-regulated property market for foreign investors, especially those from the EU/EEA. While non-EU buyers must follow additional steps, particularly for land and standalone homes, the process remains clear and manageable with the right local partners.
This Nordic country is best suited for investors seeking long-term stability, ownership security, and strong governance over fast speculation or migration-based investments.
Have questions or need advice?
Leave a request
Our expert will contact you to discuss your needs, suggest solutions, and stay in touch at every stage of the transaction.
